As you review the content in this book and work toward earning that “5” on your AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, here are five essentials that you MUST know above everything else:
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Know the principles of the United States Constitution. Understand the elitist and pluralist theories of government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Make sure you understand the relationship between the federal and state governments as well as the interrelationship among the branches of government and bureaucracies. Most importantly, know how the Constitution is a defining document that illustrates how we as a country wanted a government with limited powers and the rule of law. |
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Identify the concept of liberty and order. Understand how civil liberties and civil rights have played an essential role in our democracy in achieving liberty and order. Know the differences between civil rights and civil liberties. There are required Supreme Court cases that apply to these topics. Explore the concept of “selective incorporation” of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. |
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Explore the importance of the American political culture. Explain how popular sovereignty is an essential aspect of our representative democracy. Compare the differences and similarities of the political parties and how they conduct elections. Analyze how political socialization determines political beliefs. Understand the nature of political participation. |
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Apply the principles of political science to the interaction among the branches of government. Be able to quantify and qualify how public policy is made and implemented. Explain the relationship between American government and politics and economics, sociology, history, and geography. |
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5 |
Evaluate how policy making takes place and understand the importance of linkage institutions. Linkage institutions are political parties, elections, special-interest groups, and the mass media. You should be able to understand the purpose, goals, and development of public policy. |
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If you master Barron’s Essential 5, you will develop confidence and get that “5.” After reviewing the material in the book, taking the practice multiple-choice questions at the end of each unit, and taking the practice exams in the book, you will be ready for the exam.